It’s official, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are set to go head-to-head in the Eastern Conference Finals. Both teams are built around the stellar play of an elite guard and the floor spacing of a talented big man.
However, the Knicks and Pacers approach the game in drastically different ways. Rick Carlisle’s team loves to push the pace, while Tom Thibodeau’s roster is designed around half-court offense and smothering defense.
Both approaches have their pros and cons. Fortunately for the neutral fans, this clash of styles should make for an entertaining series. Here are three of the biggest matchups as we approach Game 1.
No. 1: Jalen Brunson vs. Tyrese Haliburton
Ok, this one’s a no-brainer. The two best players in the series happen to play the same position and are on opposite sides. WWE fans will feel like this matchup has been brewing for almost a year, having seen the two guards face off in an episode of “SmackDown” on June 28, 2024.
Brunson’s clutch scoring will give the Pacers nightmares, while Haliburton’s playmaking will seriously test the Knicks’ defensive communication. Whoever gains the advantage in this head-to-head will likely give their team a shot at making the NBA Finals. Both are All-Star talents, so neither can be overlooked.
No. 2: Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Myles Turner
Karl-Anthony Towns is entering this series after giving a poor account of himself against the Boston Celtics. In Myles Turner, he will be facing an elite shot-blocker and rim-runner who can also cook from deep. Similarly to Brunson and Haliburton, we will witness a significant clash of styles.
Towns prefers to work on the perimeter, with his interior scoring coming from the elbows, post or on offensive putbacks. Turner pressures the rim, attacks via catch-and-shoot and dominates the boards while also offering a lob threat. This will be a fascinating battle of two highly talented big men.
No. 3: Pascal Siakam vs. OG Anunoby
Two former teammates from the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship-winning roster. OG Anunoby is among the best wing defenders in the NBA. Pascal Siakam’s versatility, especially in terms of scoring and playmaking, makes him a tough cover. Both players have had significant impacts on their new teams. It will be fun watching the duo go to battle throughout the upcoming series, and seeing which one earns bragging rights over the other.
